Herpetic esophagitis: a diagnostic challenge in immunocompromised patients.

Viral esophageal infection is common in immunocompromised patients. Twelve patients with esophagitis secondary to herpes viruses are described. Odynophagia, dysphagia, and gastrointestinal bleeding were the most common symptoms. Multiple infections particularly with candida were present in three of the 12 cases (25%). Typical "volcano ulcers" at endoscopy and discrete diffusely scattered shallow ulcers seen on double contrast esophagram are highly suggestive of herpetic esophagitis. Single contrast esophagram plays no specific role in the diagnosis of herpetic esophagitis. An analysis of clinical, endoscopic, radiological, and pathological features is presented.